1912

1911

RIP Allan Calhamer - Diplomacy Founder

Dear friends,

I just found out that Allan Calhamer, the creator of Diplomacy, passed away two weeks ago. He created an incredible and ground-breaking game when nothing like it existed, and is fondly remembered by many.

Here are some things people wrote:

A few years back I was working on a project at a synagogue, and the congregation's representative was an older gentleman. The conversation came around to my wargame playing and designs. "Oh, we used to play a game like that when I worked in the White House" he said. "Can't remember the name of it, though." Knowing that he had worked for the Kennedy administration, I ventured a guess: "Was it called Diplomacy?"

"That's the one! We had a lot of fun playing that game..." I watched as his old eyes told me that he was thinking back to those days, and his sly smile told me that he certainly did enjoy the game. But all I could think of? "Damn, those old advertisements weren't lying! They really DID play Diplomacy in the White House!"

"In 1953, when Allan Calhamer began designing the game that became Diplomacy, he had almost no precedents to work from. There were no tabletop wargames, not even something as simple as Risk or Stratego. Unless you count Pit, there really weren't any negotiation games. Monopoly could still legitimately be considered the height of sophistication in board games. And yet, working in such a vacuum, he created a game that has not only thrived after half a century, but which must be regarded as one of the truly iconic designs of all time.

"Diplomacy's mechanical innovations are many--programmed, simultaneous movement; a multiplayer game of conflict; area movement; unit creation; and the wonderfully elegant concept of support--but the essence of the game goes far beyond mere rules. It's a stark battle of wits and negotiation skills in the most ruthless arena in gaming. Positional play is surprisingly deep for a game of such simplicity, but in the end, it all comes down to manipulating your fellow man and choosing the right time for a backstab. The title's renown spreads far beyond normal gaming channels--supposedly, both John F. Kennedy and Henry Kissinger were fans. PBEM games are more practical (and do a good job of simulating real life diplomacy), but there's nothing quite as intense and exhilarating as an all-day, face-to-face battle with you and six of your former friends. Okay, the title's reputation for ending friendships may be overstated, but even if it were true, I'd still play. Games like Diplomacy only come along once in a generation; I can always find new friends."

There you have it!

Our next 'year' is coming up, as well. The endgame is here, folks!

I encourage you all to give a careful thought to your next moves: the next few moves are absolutely critical, and they will mean victory or defeat for each nation. Consider your options carefully!

I would highly recommend that you reread my e-mails from last week before the game! I tried to describe what's happening on the board as well as I could.

Each nation has some really, really important decisions to make right now.

I'd rather see the game end with high-level, considered play, at a high level of sportsmanship! I'd be happy to advise and/or discuss strategic options with any of you (yes, even England - I won't refrain giving strategic advice even to the country most likely to carry this War!). 

Good luck!

Paul

1910